Hart, Saugus soccer lock up at 1-1

In a matchup of two teams that were moving in opposite directions, both Hart and Saugus boys soccer came out of Tuesday’s game with the same thing.

The teams played to a 1-1 tie, which earned both squads a single point in the Foothill League standings.

The Foothill League leading Hart Indians came into Tuesday’s matchup with all the momentum and a five-game win streak, while the Saugus Centurions came in having not scored a goal in their last three games.

All that considered, Tuesday’s result was considered a positive one for Saugus (9-9-2 overall, 2-3-2 Foothill League).

“Even though we were down and had lost a couple of games, we still had the confidence,” said Saugus head coach Seth Groller.

The Centurions trailed by a goal following Hart’s score in the 57th minute, but Aaron Winsick put the ball into the net for Saugus’ equalizer with less than 10 minutes to play. His shot came from near the top of the 18-yard box and followed a deflection off Hart goalkeeper Christian Arriaga.

The goal followed a rush of Saugus offensive opportunities that came from bringing an extra forward into the game late.

“We kept the intensity high and worked through it even after (Hart) scored,” Winsick said.

The Indians (11-4-3, 5-1-1) looked like they were in control after Brayon Rodriguez scored the go-ahead goal earlier in similar fashion to Saugus’ goal. The ball came to Rodriguez’s feet after it ricocheted off Saugus goalkeeper Noah Maynard.

The play began with Derek Waldeck’s well-placed freekick into the box.

It was one of many scoring chances Hart generated in the game. But Saugus’ defense, led by senior sweeper Colin Maher, matched up well with Hart’s speedy players.

“We played well, we played good soccer,” said Hart head coach Adonay Jovel. “We just couldn’t put in the chances that we had. We came in here expecting to win this game.”

Hart had already beaten Saugus twice this season, the last win a 6-0 decision on Jan. 17 during league play. The other game was a non-league matchup.